Cliff Stearns: “the events of September 11 forever changed the world and the United States, and as President Bush declared, ``The…”

“the events of September 11 forever changed the world and the United States, and as President Bush declared, ``The resolve of our great Nation is being tested . . . but make no mistake . . . we will show the world that we will pass this test.'' Obviously, the President could not be more correct. Since then, the United States has decimated al Qaeda and bin Laden's network of terror; the Taliban no longer exist as a ruling form of government; and the war against terrorism is being waged against those who harbor terrorists. While America is making significant progress on many fronts in eradicating terrorism, the war cannot be won without the key component of securing our borders from those who wish to do us harm. Those who violate our Nation's immigration laws do more harm than good in furthering our country's values, and it is those people we must ensure that do not enter our country. Madam Speaker, a recent report by the United States Census Bureau reveals there are more than 8.7 million people now living in the United States illegally.”